RAMAYANA I.

Narrator: In the ancient kingdom of Kosala, located in present day Uttar Pradesh and with Ayodhya as its capital, there once lived a king named Dasaratha. He was a great king, well-loved and respected by his subjects and people. But he was very sad because he didnt have any children. During the same time, Rakshasa was the king in the island of Ceylon. He was called Ravana. He was a cruel ruler and was feared by many. Going back to Dasaratha, he sought help about his problem from Vashishta, the family priest. Dasaratha: Vashishta, what must I do to have children? Please help me. Vashishta: Heres an advice, my dear king. Perform a fire sacrifice to seek the blessings of God for children. Narrator: During the ceremony, a figure rose from the sacrificial fire and handed Dasaratha a bowl of rice pudding. Figure: God is pleased with you to distribute this rice pudding or payasa to your wives they will soon bear your children. Narrator: The king received the gift and gave the payasa to his three queens: Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitha. Kausalya, the eldest queen, bore Rama. His birthday is celebrated as Ramavani. Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata and Sumitra to the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna. The four princes grew up to be wonderful men. Of the four brothers, the Rama was closest to Lakshmana and Bharata to Shatrughna. One day, Viswamitra came to the kingdom. Dasaratha: Viswamitra! Welcome to Ayodhya. Im very pleased to have you here. Narrator: Viswamitra blessed Dasaratha and asked of his son Rama a very heavy task. Viswamitra: Dasaratha, send your son Rama to kill the Rakshasas. Dasaratha: What? But Rama is only fifteen! Hes too young for the job, Viswamitra. Give the task to me instead. Viswamitra: No, no, my dear king. It must be Rama. I assure you he will be safe in my hands.

Dasaratha: Very well then. Rama, you must go with him. Lakshmana will accompany you. Obey Tishi Viswamitra and fulfill all his wishes. Narrator: The parents blessed the two young princes. They left with the Rishi and soon enough, the three reaches Dandaka forest, where the Rakshasi Tadaka lived with her son Maricha. Viswamitra: Well, what now, Rama? Go challenge her! Narrator: Rama strung his bow and twanged the string. Tadaka heard the sound and rushed furiously at Rama. A violent battle arose between the two. Finally, Rama pierced her heart with an arrow and Tadaka fell to the ground. Viswamitra, pleased with Ramas accomplishment, taught him several Mantras or divine chants with which he could summon many divine weapons by meditation. The three proceeded to Viswamitras ashram. Viswamitra: Lets start the fire sacrifice. You both guard the place. Narrator: Suddenly, Maricha, Tadakas wild son, arrived with his followers. Rama meditated and released the new divine weapons at Maricha. He was thrown many miles away into the sea. The two brothers slain slew the other demons. Viswamitra finished the sacrificed and the princes were then blessed and praised by the sages. The next morning, Rama, Lakshmana and Viswamitra headed towards Mithila, the capital of the kingdom of Janaka. King Janaka: Greetings, Viswamitra. Come and attend the great fore sacrifice I have arranged. Narrator: But Viswamitra had something else in mind to get Rama and Janakas daughter, Sita, together and married. Viswamitra: King Janaka, what qualifications are needed by a man for him to be able to marry your daughter? King Janaka: I received a strong, heavy bow from Lord Siva. I vowed that only the bravest and strongest prince who can string that bow could marry Sita. Many have tried before but none have succeeded. Narrator: When Viswamitra arrived with Rama and Lakshmana, King Janaka received them with great respect. Viswamitra: King Janaka, here are Rama and Lakshmana. May you please show your bow to Rama so he could attempt to string it?

Narrator: Janaka doubted Rama would succeed but still orders his men to bring the bow and place it in the middle of a big hall filled with dignitaries. Rama got ready for the stringing. He placed one end of the bow against his toe, put forth his might, and bent the bow to string it. To everyones surprise, the bow snapped in two. Sita was pleased for she had liked Rama right from the start. The news came to Dasaratha and he gladly gave his approval of the marriage. He came to Mithila with his followers for the wedding. The three other brothers were also provided with wives. Lakshmana married Sitas sister Urmila. Bharata and Shatrugha married Sitas cousins Mandavi and Shrutakirti. Viswamitra blessed them after the wedding and left to meditate at the Himalayas. Dasaratha, with his sons and their wives, returned to Ayodhya to celebrate the marriage with their people. For the next twelve years, Rama and Sita lived happily in Ayodhya. He was loved by everyone and was honored by his aging father. When Rama and Shatrughna had gone to see their maternal grandfather, Dasaratha consulted with his ministers about crowning Rama as prince of Ayodhya. Thwy unanimously welcomed the suggestion. Dasaratha then announced their decision and gave orders for Ramas coronation. Kaikeyi, Bharatas mother was happy for Ramas coronation for she loved him as her own son. But Manthara, her wicked maid, wanted Bharata to be king instead. She devised a wicked plan to stop Ramas coronation and went off to Kaikeyi to tell her. II. Manthara: What a fool you are! The king has always loved you more than the other queens. But the moment Rama is crowned, Kausalya will become powerful and she will make you her slave! Kaikeyi: I dont know. I dont really feel bad about it. Manthara: O cmon! Kaikeyi: Okay, so what can I do to change it? Manthara: You may recall that long ago when Dasaratha was badly wounded in the battlefield, while fighting the Asuras, you saved Dasarathas life by swiftly driving his chariot to safety. At that time, Dasaratha offered you two boons. You said you would ask for the boons some other time. Kaikeyi: Yeah! I remember! Manthara: Now the time has come to demand those boons. Ask Dasaratha for your first boon to make Bharata the king and for the second boon to banish Rama to the forest for fourteen years.

Kaikeyi: Hmmm Thatd be awful but I think you are right. Then I agree. [night before coronation] Dasaratha: Oh thank God. Ive never been this happy before. I am so excited to see Rama, being crowned as the Prince of Kosala. [anger room(?)] Dasaratha: Oh, my queen! What happened to you? What is wrong? Kaikeyi: You have promised me two boons. Now grant me those boons. Let Bharata be crowned as King and Rama should be banished from the kingdom for fourteen years. Dasaratha: Uhhh? [unconscious, then returned to senses] Dasaratha: What has come over you? What harm has Rama done to you? Please ask for anything else but these. [next morning] Sumantra: Our dear King. The preparations for the coronation are ready. Dasaratha: Call Rama, now! [Rama arrived] Rama: Father! Dasaratha: Rama! Rama! (sobbing) Rama: Did I do anything wrong, Queen Kaikeyi? I have never seen my father like this before. Kaikeyi: He has something to tell you, Rama. Long ago, your father had offered me two boons. Now, I want it. I asked him to crown Bharata instead of you and you shall banish from the kingdom for 14 years. Rama: Is that all Queen Kaikeyi? Please take it that your boons are granted. I shall start for the forest today. Father, I will surely bring the lessons you taught me. Dasaratha: I feel like dying. Move me to Kausalyas apartment. Lakshmana: Ughhh! Why does he have to decide this way? Rama: Is it meanwhile to sacrifice your principle for the sake of this small kingdom?

Lakshmana: If you must go to the forest, take me with you. [next scene] Rama: My beautiful wife, you may stay behind. Look after my mother, Kausalya, in my absence. Sita: Have pity on me. A wifes position is always beside her husband. Dont leave me behind. Ill die without you. Rama: You knew I canr stand leaving you crying, huh? Okay. You could come with me. [next scene] Urmilla: Lakshmana! Please, I want to go with you. Lakshamana: I have duty and responsibility. I need to protect my brother and his wife. If you accompany me, I may not able to fulfill my duties. Pleas take care of our grieved family members. [Tamasa] Rama: The people of Ayodhya love us very much but we have to be on our own. We must lead the life of a hermit, as I promised.Let us continue our journey before they wake up. [next] Dasaratha: Rama! Rama! Rama! [next] Bharata: Where is father? Kaikeyi: Rama was exiled for fourteen years. You will be the Crowned Prince. Our king cannot take the pain of Ramas departure. I asked these in exchange of the boons. Bharata: What? Why mom? Why you have to do this? Kaikeyi: Listen son. I did this just because it was for you. Bharata: Dont you know how much I love Rama? This kingdom is worth nothing in his absence. I am ashamed to call my mother. You are heartless. You killed my father and banished my brother. I will not have anything to do with you for as long as I live. III.

[Bharata goes out and went to Kausalyas] Kaikeyi: Oh no! What have I done? ( while Bharata is leaving) [In Kausalyas room] Kausalya: Bharata, the kingdom is waiting for you. No one will oppose you for ascending the throne. Now that your father is gone, I would also like to go to the forest and live with Rama. [Bharata suddenly cries] Bharata: I promise to bring him back ( while crying) [Funeral Rites for the king. Then Bharata will go to Chitrakut where Rama is staying, with some army. And when he sees Rama, hell fall to his feet] Bharata: Im sorry brother. Please forgive me. Rama: How is father? [Bharata starts to cry] Bharata: Our father has left for heaven. At the time of his death, he constantly calls your name and never recovered to the shock of your departure. [Rama collapsed, after a few seconds; hell come to his senses and go to the Mandakini river to offer prayers for his dad.] [next day] Bharata: Please come home now brother. The kingdom needs you. Rama: I cant possibly disobey our father. You rule the kingdom and I shall carry out my pledge. I will come back home only after 14 years. [Bharata nods] Bharata: Could I at least have your sandals, brother? Theyll represent you, the rightful ruler of the kingdom and I will only carry out my duties as your representative. [Rama gives his sandals. They will say goodbye to each other then Bharata will leave, carrying the sandals.] [In the capital, he placed the sandals on the throne and rule the kingdom in Ramas name.] [Rama went to visit sage Agastha]

Agastha: Why dont you move to Panchavati on the bank of Godavari River? It was such a beautiful place. [Rama nodded in agreement. Rama, Sita and Lakshamana will travel. Then Lakshmana will build an elegant hut. Next day, while Rama and Lakshamana are working (Sita inside) Surpanakha will pass by then fall in love with Rama; She asked Ramato be her husband.] Rama: As you can see, I am already married. You can request Lakshamana. He is young, handsome and alone without his wife. [Supranakha went to Lakshamana] Supranakha: My dear Lakshaamana, you dont have to be alone. I can be your wife instead. Lakshamana: servant. I am Ramas servant. You should marry my master and not me, the

Supranakha: arghhh! [Shell go attack Sita. Lakshamana will cut off her nose.] Supranakha: Aaaaahhhh! [She ran away and asked help from her Asura brothers. Both brothers get angry and marched with their army to fight Rama and Lakshamana. Rama and Lakshamana won. Supranakha shocked will run to Ravana, her brother. And hell get angry seeing her like that.] [She told him all that happened. And Ravana decided to abduct Sita, who Rama loves so much and cant live without. Ravana went to Maricha.] Ravana: You are going to help me work my plan in abducting Sita. Maricha: My king, you better stay away from Rama. Ravana: Maricha! You have only two choices, help me or prepare for your death. Maricha: I will help you in your plan, my king. [Maricha will take the form of a beautiful golden deer and gaze near Ramas cottage. When Sita saw it] Sita: Oh look, Rama! Such a beautiful deer! Could you please get it for me? Lakshamana: Be careful! That may be a demon in disguise.

[Rama, chasing the deer, shouts to Lakshamana] Rama: Stay there and look after Sita! [Very soon, Rama found out it is not a real deer. He shot an arrow which hit the deer and exposed its true identity. Maricha, before dying] Maricha: (in Ramas voice) Lakshamana! Sita! Help! [Refer to story(?)] Lakshamana: As long as youstay within the circle youll be safe with the grace of God. [Lakshamana hurrieldly left in search of Rama] [Refer to story] Ravana: (in disguise) Please help me. Please give me some bhiksha. [Sita came out with a bowl of rice to offer to the holy man while staying within the protection circle.] Ravana: Why not come near me? Afraid of the old hermit? [When Sita did not move, he started to leave.] Sita: No wait! Dont leave! Here. [Sita crossed the line and ravana, not losing opportunity, pounced on Sita and seized her hands.] Ravana: I am Ravana, the king of Lanka. Come with me and be my queen. [His chariot flew over the clouds. On the way to Lanka.] [Rama seeing Lakshamana] Rama: Why did you leave Sita alone? The golden deer was maricha in disguise. [Lakshamana tried to explain. When both of them suspected a foul play, they ran to the cottage which was empty, as they feared. They searched for Sita.] Rama and Lakshamana: Sita! Sita! Where are you? Sita! [Finally, they were exhausted, Lakshamana tried to console Rama as best as he could.] IV. [Jatayu screams]

[Lakshamana and Rama see Jatayu on floor] Rama: What happened? (puts Jatayu on his lap) Jatayu: (in pain) I saw Ravana abducting Sita. I tried to save her but Rvana vut my wing then flew down south. (dies) Lakshamana: We should go. Rama: Wait, lets bury him first. [Lakshamana and Rama bury Jatayu then go south, meet Kabandha on their way] [They battle and Rama shoots an arrow at Kabandha] Kabandha: Before I die, I request that you burn my body so that I can return to my old form. Also, you should see Sugriva, King of monkeys, he might be able to help. [Later] Sugriva: I see two people about to go here. Hanuman, find out who they are. Hanuman (disguised): What business do you have here? Rama: We intend to meet the King of the monkeys, Sugriva, and ask for his help in finding my wife, Sita. Hanuman: Oh, I shall bring you to him then. [At the Rishyamukha mountain:] Hanuman: These two are the sons of Dasaratha former king of Ayodhya, they are in need of help in the search for Ramas wife, Sita. Sugriva: I shall help you, but for that to happen, we need to kill Vali and get my army back. [After killing Vali] Sugriva: Now that I am back to my throne, monkeys search for Sita. Rama: Hanuman, if anyone finds Sita, it should be you. Give this ring to her when you find her. Hanuman: I will. Monkey: Who can cross the ocean? Hanuman: I will try. (flies, reaches Lanka, turns to small creature, sees Sita)

Sita: Oh God! Please help me. Ravana: (enters) I have waited enough, be my queen. Rama cant cross the ocean and come through this city. You better forget him. Sita: Oh, God please help me. Ravana: (enters) Ive waited enough, be my queen. Rama cannot cross the ocean and come through this city. You better forget him. Sita: I have already told you, return me to Lord Rama now or suffer his wrath. Ravana: you give me no choice but to kill you unless you change your mind, I will be back in few days. Hanuman: (goes out from hiding place, gives Sita) I shall take you home now. Sita: I do not want to go secretly. I want Rama to defeat Ravana and take me with honor. Take his necklace as proof of our meeting. Hanuman: Ok, I shall go now. [Ashoka Grove] [Hanuman goes and uproots many trees, beats up rakshasa warriors.] Warrior: Lord, our sacred grove is being desecrated. Ravana: Call Indrajeet! This intruder must pay! [Battle ensues between Indrajeet and hanuman, Indrajeet uses Brahmastra on Hanuman. Its super effective] [At Ravanas court] Hanuman: You have abducted the wife of my powerful master, Lord Rama. If you want your kingdom to be peaceful return her or else. Ravana: (angry) Kill him! V. Vibhishana: you cannot kill a kings envoy! Ravana: then, I shall just let the tail of that Hanuman be set on fire. [People laughing then became in an outrage when Hanuman shook off the ropes.] Hanuman: .. And thats how I escaped.

Monkey army: (laughing) Hanuman: My Lord Rama, I am here in front of you to give my first-hand acorn, this jewel is given to me by Sita. This is the proof that we met. Rama: (crying) Hanuman! You have achieved what none else can do. What can I do for you. Hanuman: may kulang Sugriva: So, on an auspicious hour the entire monkey array will set out from kishkindha towards the Mahendra hill. Then, you will cross the ocean. Rama: No! I still have one problem. How can I cross the ocean? Hey! Please suggest a solution. Messenger: Ravana, my Lord, Rama had already arrived at Mahendra hill and was preparing to cross the ocean to Lanka. Ravana: Bring to me my minister, how? Narrator: And they decided to fight Rama to death. Vibhishana: Brother, Ravana, you must return me chaste woman, Sita, to Rama, seek his forgiveness and restore peace. Ravana: How could you say that?! I now order you to leave this kingdom. Narrator: Vibhishana decided to go to Mahendra Hill and sought the permission to meet Ravana. The monkeys took him to Rama as a captive men Vibhishana explained all. Rama: Nala, please help me build a bridge to cross the ocean and get to Lanka. Nala: Im fine with that. But you shall summon Vanina, so that the ocean will be calm while we work. Narrator: Then, with their cooperation, they finished the bridge within just 5 days. Angada: Return Sita with honor or face destruction. Ravana: I want you out of this court immediately! Narrator: (may kulang) Rama: Go rest now. Return tomorrow to resume our fight.

Narrator: Kumbhakarna is now in the battle against Rama. Hanuman challenged him. He was not easy to defeat. But finally, Rama discharged the powerful weapon that he obtained from the Wind God and Kumbhakarna (may kulang) VII. [Indrajeet used his magic and beheaded Sita in front of the army] [Rama collapsed] Vibhishana: Rama, Rama, be calm. Indrajeet is just tricking you. Ravana will not let Sita be killed. Indrajeet also has limitations in killing you. He will soon perform a sacrificial ceremony to get the power to kill you. If successful, he will be invincible. (to Lakshmana) Go now and stop that ceremony and kill Indrajeet before he become invincible again. Rama: Lakshmana, go now. Vibhishana and Hanuman, go with him. Indrajeet: Yes! The sacrifice is almost complete! Lakshmana: Stop! You cannot complete the ceremony! Indrajeet: You cant stop me! You are not strong enough to fight me. Lakshmana: Stop talking and get ready for your death! [Lakshmana and Indrajeet fought. Lakshmana won.] Ravana: Oh no! Indrajeet has fallen! My son was killed! What am I gonna do now? I want revenge for my son! Rama must pay for this! [Ravana rushed to the battlefield] Ravana: Rama get ready to face your death! Rama: Lets finish this thing now! [Rama uses the Brahmastra] Ravana: Ahhhh! NOOO! [After Ravanas death, Vibhishana was crowned the King of Lanka] [Rama and Sita met] Sita: I am very happy to see you! Thank you for rescuing me from that monster, my husband. Rama: Dont I know that she is pure? I had to test her for the sake of the world so that all will know is the truth.

[When they reached Ayodhya, Rama was coronated as the king.] Subjects: All hail King Rama Praises for the new king!